Detained observer says separatists guaranteed group's safety

SLOVYANSK - A member of the team of international observers detained by separatists in the Ukrainian city of Slovyansk said on Sunday the de facto mayor had guaranteed the observers' safety.

"We wish from the bottom of our hearts to go back to our nations as soon and as quickly as possible," the observer, German national Colonel Axel Schneider, said at a news conference organized by his captors.